Overview

The Open Space and Agriculture Committee was established in 1999 by the adoption of Ordinance No. 1292. The Committee's primary function is to advise the City Council and Commissions in matters that relate to Arcata's open space and agricultural lands, develop a detailed open space program to implement the Open Space Element of the General Plan, and make recommendations on the acquisition and/or protection opportunities for open space and agriculture lands and promotion of sustainable agriculture. The Open Space and Agriculture Committee’s powers and duties are outlined in Arcata Municipal Code Sections 2251 to 2254.

The Open Space and Agriculture Committee consists of seven members who have interest, knowledge or experience in active and passive recreation, fish and wildlife, land trusts, local agriculture and farming, watershed management, wetland/riparian ecology and economic land use policy. Of the seven members, five must live within Arcata City limits and two may live or work in the Arcata Planning Area. See current vacancies and residency qualifications.

Powers & Duties

The powers and duties of the Open Space and Agriculture Committee are as specified in the Arcata Municipal Code, Sections 2251 to 2254. These powers and duties are outlined as follows:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate in regard to matters that relate to policies affecting open space and agriculture.

B. To participate in the preparation and development of a detailed open space program to implement the Open Space Element of the General Plan.

C. To provide recommendations to the Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate on the acquisition and/or protection opportunities for open space and agricultural lands.

D. To provide recommendations to the Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate for specific actions to take to secure open space.

E. To provide recommendations to the Council, Commissions or City Staff as appropriate for promotion of sustainable agriculture.

Annual Reports to the City Council

Annually the Open Space and Agriculture Committee reports to the City Council.